Discovery Tours Egypt
Day TourAswan

Kalabsha Temple & Nubian Museum – Private Half-Day Tour in Aswan

5 hours, your own vehicle, boat and Egyptologist, tickets included, pick-up from your Aswan hotel or boat at 08:00.

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

A 5-hour private half day in Aswan: a motorboat from the High Dam to Kalabsha Temple, the Kiosk of Qertassi and Beit el-Wali, then the Nubian Museum, with an Egyptologist, vehicle and entrance tickets.
  • New
  • Private

Snapshot

Good to know

Destinations
Aswan · Kalabsha Temple · Lake Nasser · Nubian Museum
Includes
Private pick-up and drop-off at your Aswan hotel or cruise boat · Your own air-conditioned vehicle with a driver · Private motorboat to Kalabsha · Private Egyptologist guide who speaks English · Entrance tickets for Kalabsha Temple and the Nubian Museum
Guide languages
English

Best time to go

October to April has the best temperatures. In summer the morning start avoids the worst heat.

  • Arranged by our Aswan office, part of an Egyptian tour operator working since 1988
  • Travel licence ETAA 718 (Category A); IATA accredited agent

02Overview

A first look

This is a private 5-hour half day in Aswan that skips the crowds. A driver and guide collect you at 08:00 and drive to the harbor beside the High Dam, where a private motorboat takes you to Kalabsha island on Lake Nasser. Kalabsha Temple, the Kiosk of Qertassi and Beit el-Wali were moved here when the High Dam flooded their original sites. Back in town you visit the Nubian Museum, which tells the story of the Nubian people. Because the trip is private, you can spend as long as you like at each place. You are back at your hotel at about 13:00.

Background

The facts

Kalabsha Temple sits on an island in Lake Nasser, reached by a short motorboat ride from the harbor beside the Aswan High Dam.

Named in this entry

Aswan·Kalabsha Temple·Lake Nasser·High Dam·Beit el-Wali·Nubian Museum

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • Travelers who want quieter Aswan sights and an introduction to Nubian history.

Maybe not, if

  • Not for anyone who cannot manage a boat step and sandy ground.

What lingers

  • 01A private vehicle, driver, motorboat and English-speaking Egyptologist
  • 02Kalabsha Temple on its island in Lake Nasser, reached by boat from the High Dam
  • 03The Kiosk of Qertassi and Beit el-Wali
  • 04The Nubian Museum, with three thousand years of Nubian history
  • 05Quiet sites with far fewer visitors than the main Aswan temples

Honest assessment

Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.

Highlights

  • Few visitors
  • Private boat, vehicle and guide
  • Tickets included

Things to Consider

  • Lunch is not included
  • Little shade at the temple

Stop by stop

Detailed itinerary

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The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Private pick-up and drop-off at your Aswan hotel or cruise boat
  • Your own air-conditioned vehicle with a driver
  • Private motorboat to Kalabsha
  • Private Egyptologist guide who speaks English
  • Entrance tickets for Kalabsha Temple and the Nubian Museum
  • Bottled water

Not included

  • Gratuities
  • Lunch
  • Personal expenses

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    Bring a hat and water for the open temple courts

  2. 02

    Ask your guide about the rescue project that moved the temples

Before you go

What to pack & wear

Children & families

This is a private tour, so children's prices are set from the ages you enter in your request. There is no minimum age. The short boat ride and open temple suit school-age children, though the sun is strong and shade is limited.

Indicative rates only – pricing and departure fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01How is this private tour priced?
    The price is per person and goes down as your group gets bigger, because the vehicle, boat and guide are shared among you. It covers the transfers, the motorboat, the Egyptologist and the entrance tickets. Children's prices are set from the ages you give in your request. Prices are provisional until our team confirms.
  2. 02Why were the temples moved to Kalabsha?
    The High Dam, finished in the 1960s, created Lake Nasser and flooded Nubian sites. An international rescue project moved several temples to higher ground, including Kalabsha. Your guide tells the full story on the island.
  3. 03Is lunch included?
    No. The tour ends around 13:00, and lunch is paid directly. Your guide can suggest a restaurant in Aswan.
  4. 04What should we wear and bring?
    Wear light clothes covering shoulders and knees, and sturdy shoes for sand. Bring a hat, sunscreen and cash for tips. Bring a passport copy in case it is asked for near the dam.
  5. 05What is the cancellation policy?
    A cancellation made three days or more ahead is paid back in full. One made inside three days but outside 24 hours is paid back by half. A later one, or a missed pick-up, is not refunded. Tell us early about any change.
  6. 06Is this tour private, or will others join us?
    It is private. Only your own party travels in the vehicle and boat, and the Egyptologist guides only you. The maximum party size is 12.

If plans change

Plans change? We make it easy.

  • More than 72 hours before your tour: keep the full amount as credit toward future travel with us, or take a refund.
  • Between 72 and 24 hours: keep the full amount as credit, or take a partial refund.
  • Within 24 hours of the tour, or if you don't show up, we're unable to offer a refund or credit.
  • If we ever have to cancel, for weather or anything beyond our control, you lose nothing.

Credit is valid for 12 months from your original travel date and can be used on any tour, cruise or stay with us.Read our full cancellation and refund policy

Continue reading

From the archives

Product ID: EXC-ASW-222081

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